Statutory rape case probe re-opened due to public interest

PUTRAJAYA - The attorney-general has reopened investigation into the rape case involving a 13-year-old girl from Kedah who married and subsequently divorced one of her alleged rapists.

Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail said the probe into the case had been reopened due to public interest. "I have to take public interest into account.

"Two out of the three suspects were arrested when the report was made last year.

"The third suspect is still at large despite his identity being known to the police," he said Monday.

He said of the two arrested, one was charged in court and pleaded guilty. He was sentenced to a year in a reform school in Paya Terubong.

The victim, 13, had previously lodged a report at the Kulim police station on July 15 last year, claiming that two teenagers had raped her, followed by Mohd Fahmi Mohamed Alias, 20, who later married her.

However, the marriage ended and allegations that Fahmi and two friends had raped her four months prior to them tying the knot have resurfaced.

Gani said he met the police Monday and had given them a week to submit additional information from the investigation, which was now re-opened.

Gani also said he had issued instructions to the police that any withdrawal of rape reports in the future must be referred to the Attorney-General's Chambers.